Marijuana

Nicholas Hohns shows off a tray of strawberry-lemon CBD gummies at his Deutermann Farms kitchen in Clayton, N.C., on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Allen G. Breed)

A $28B hemp THC industry is fighting to save itself from a looming federal ban

By Gene Johnson

October 3, 2026 at 5:15 p.m.

The ban “threatens to reduce retail revenues by $28.3 billion, displacing 225,000 jobs and reducing...

A pedestrian crosses East Ontario Street at North Fairbanks Court in Chicago in 2018. The building at left contains 620 N. Fairbanks Ct., where cannabis store Guaranteed Dispensary opened late in 2025. (Jośe M. Osorio/baiduhai)

Judge upholds permit for controversial cannabis shop in Streeterville

By Robert McCoppin

September 10, 2026 at 4:20 p.m.

A judge upheld Chicago's permit for a controversial cannabis store in Streeterville, despite new evidence...

A Chicago resident shows a marijuana plant growing outdoors at her home garden on Aug. 19, 2026. The resident, who has a medical cannabis card, is currently growing four plants in her backyard to cultivate for personal use. (John J. Kim/baiduhai)

Illinois regulators propose allowing licensed cannabis producers to grow outdoors

By Robert McCoppin

August 20, 2026 at 6:10 p.m.

In a major reversal, Illinois regulators have proposed letting cannabis companies grow cannabis outdoors.

PharmaCann wants to open a store, called Verilife, on W. Maple Street in Chicago's Gold Coast.

Marijuana shop near the Gold Coast is first site to be rejected by Chicago zoning board

By Ally Marotti

August 24, 2020 at 11:29 a.m.

The city rejected a marijuana company's plans to open a dispensary near the Gold Coast...

Using CBD as a cooking ingredient became a food trend in 2019, with restaurants and bars adding CBD-infused and -topped items to their menus. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) it's illegal to sell food and beverages with CBD or THC at the federal level. In response, local and state governments began taking action. For example, New York City health officials announced a ban on businesses using CBD in food and drinks. Meanwhile, other states like Maine have passed laws to allow the use of CBD in food products. A California bill about legalizing CBD in foods, beverages and cosmetics is on hold until 2020 but could pave the way for other states to consider similar measures.

Biden marijuana plan ‘essentially meaningless,’ says democratic congressman

By Brendan Bures

August 20, 2020 at 1:56 p.m.

When presidential candidate Joe Biden announced his criminal justice reform plan, it included cannabis policies...

The Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola is seen in West Feliciana Parish, La.

Black veteran walks free after almost a decade in jail over $30 marijuana sale

By Tim Balk

August 21, 2020 at 12:20 p.m.

A Black veteran sentenced to life behind bars over a petty $30 marijuana bust was...

The sweeping curtainlike feature of the Greenhouse cannabis dispensary is seen in Skokie.

Column: In Illinois, an architecturally arresting pot shop reveals how marijuana has gone mainstream

By Blair Kamin

August 19, 2020 at 11:02 a.m.

Chicago and its suburbs have long been fertile ground for cultivating architectural superlatives. Now they're...

Trump to Republicans: Don’t put marijuana on the ballot at the same time you’re running

By Brendan Bures

August 19, 2020 at 11:00 a.m.

President Donald Trump hosted a campaign rally in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, the same night the Democratic...

Jim Belushi has a new TV show about his adventures as a cannabis farmer

By Tracy Swartz

August 18, 2020 at 1:06 p.m.

On his new TV show "Growing Belushi," Jim Belushi plays a variety of roles, including...

New Detroit mural touts justice for people imprisoned on marijuana charges

By Detroit Free Press

August 18, 2020 at 1:03 p.m.

Completed Friday, the latest mural by Detroit street artist Sheefy McFly calls for the release...

Just like the makers of any health products that are not regulated by the FDA, CBD product sellers are not allowed to make outrageous claims that so-and-so product will cure your health problem. Be on the lookout for language that might just be a scam.

CBD and blood flow: What the brain wants you to know

By Fresh Toast

August 17, 2020 at 10:50 a.m.

A new study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology found something remarkable about cannabidiol's effect...

Both the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) identify marijuana as an <a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/marijuana-rehab/is-it-addictive">addictive drug</a>. Research shows marijuana users can develop problematic use patterns, or what's known as a marijuana use disorder, in severe cases after prolonged use. According to NIDA, an estimated 30% of marijuana users have some degree of <a href="https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/marijuana-addictive">marijuana use disorder</a>.

Montana officials drop proposed flavored vaping product ban

By Associated Press

August 17, 2020 at 10:49 a.m.

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — The Montana health department decided Friday to withdraw a proposed rule...

Retail sale of marijuana set for Oct. 9 in Maine

By Associated Press

August 17, 2020 at 10:47 a.m.

Mainers will be able to legally buy marijuana at retail shops on Oct. 9, the...